Eastern and Central Europe (Eyewitness Travel Guides)

Castles and Fortresses

The history of Eastern and Central Europe is one of

shifting borders and military conquests. It is no surprise,

there fore, that castles and fortresses are a ubiquitous

feature of the landscape. Many of the castles became

aristo cratic residences once their military role was over

and were often furnished lavishly by their owners. In

mod ern times, a large number of the for tresses have

been restored by govern ments eager to showcase their

coun try’s rich past. They now house some of the

region’s most prestigious museums, offering a good

opportunity to understand the local history and culture.

28 EASTERN AND CENTRAL EUROPE AT A GLANCE

Tvrđa

Built by the Austrians to serve as their military

command centre in South Eastern Europe, the

fort of Tvrđa (see p496) in Osijek is a virtual

city-within-a-city. Complete with squares,

mansions and churches, it is one of the best-

preserved Baroque ensembles in the continent.

Karlštejn

Residence of the Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV,

Karlštejn Castle (see pp260–61) sym bolizes the

power and influ ence enjoyed by medie val Czech

rulers. Paint ings in the castle’s chapel represent

one of the high points of Gothic art.

Malbork

A religious and political

centre, Malbork Castle

(see p207) was built to

serve as the capital of the

Teutonic knights,

the Germanic cru sa ders

who carved out an

empire in North Eastern

Europe. The castle

contains an imposing

medieval church.

0 km

0 miles

250

250

BALTIC

SEA

POLAND

CZECH

REPUBLIC

SLOVAKIA

BOSNIA AND

HERZEGOVINA

HUNGARY

Vienna

CROATIA

AUSTRIA

SLOVENIA

MONTENEGRO

A

D

R

IA

T

IC

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(^) S
E
A